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You woke up to your stomach churning. Your guts clenched and you gasped at the nausea as it suddenly hit you in a strong wave. You quickly threw off the blankets and ran over to the toilet, throwing up everything from last night’s dinner. For a second you felt better, then the second wave hit like a strong ocean wave, gurgitating up the last bits from last night.
You slumped down and grasped your abdomen, it still hurt but the waves of nausea had veered off, leaving you in silence clenching your stomach with a burning throat. You gulped and took in a deep breath, you felt awful.
Getting up, you flushed down the disgusting vomit and gulped a glass of water. You brushed your teeth and changed dresses, feeling gross. You hadn’t realized Geralt wasn’t around until you looked back at the bed. You sighed, he had said he’d have to be going soon and seemed to have left in the early morning.
You still felt tired, though you had overslept for over an hour. You didn’t have much to do today, other than go to your seamstress job at 10. You looked at the clock, it was already half past 9, and you didn’t feel like eating today. Instead you grabbed your bag and went downstairs to ask the innkeeper if he knew where Geralt had gone.
“He said he was going to Tigg for a few weeks.” The innkeeper said. You gave a half smile and walked out of the inn to your job a few blocks down. You eventually ran as fast your legs could carry you, scared you might be late.
The day went on normally, with the exception you felt weary and thin. Like a woman lost in the ocean being tossed around. In the afternoon you ate little, choosing the most bland food possible, but even after you felt uneasy and drained. Stitching up an old pair of trousers, you decided to go home early, worried you wouldn’t have the energy to walk home to the inn.
You flopped down on the bed and sighed. Your muscles ached and you were starving, but were worried you’d throw it up tomorrow. You kinda wished Geralt was around. He could be cold and harsh at times, but he was nice to look at and at least it gave you an excuse to cook.
You made some crackers and honey for dinner and went to sleep, hoping that tomorrow you’d feel better and that it was just a bug.
~~*~~
The next few days were terrible. Every day you awoke to nausea waves and aching everywhere. You tried some home remedies but nothing worked and eating became almost a choir, something you used to love.
The part of your pessimistic mind thought you were dying. None of your symptoms made any sense, you were young and usually healthy. Even when you got out of bed you were tired and queasy. You deeply missed your Witcher, even though he probably wouldn’t be much help with this. You hoped the sickness would go away before Geralt came back, though the illness didn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Finally, on Sunday, your only day off, you went down to the local healer in town. She was unusually busy today. You were the last client of the night but you were growing impatient, but at last you entered the small wooden home.
“Hello.” The lady across from the table. You nodded uncomfortably, anxious about all of this. “Well, what is bothering you? What symptoms have you been having?” She asked, leaning over.
She had large black glasses and frizzy red hair. She had a light tan and brown eyes. Her composure was comforting and questioning.
“I’ve been having very strange symptoms. I can’t keep any food down and I’m always achy and tired. I’ve never felt this way before. I can’t think of anything that’d cause this.” You said, being honest. It was a little nerve wracking to talk about what had been happening the past week or so.
“Odd indeed. Please take off your shirt. I need to examine your midsection.” She said, bringing up a light. You did as she said and stood stagnant, barely breathing. You were tense and nervous. Eventually she ran over where your lady parts were and hummed to herself.
“Have you ever been with a man?” She asked out of the blue. You gulped. You weren’t expecting that question.
“Once. But it was my first time.” You said truthfully. It was something you tried not to think about too much. A week before Geralt left you had given him your virginity. Looking back at it you regretted it slightly, though it had been pleasant.
“Hmm, it only takes once to make a child, you know.” The healer said. You nodded, you weren’t stupid, of course you knew that, but it was rare to get pregnant on the first time and well, witchers were sterile after all.
“Well, the man I was with said he couldn’t have children.” You said, as the healer pulled away. She hummed again and her face was puzzled. You put on your dress and sat down, waiting for her response.
She sighed. “Well, I can think of no other explanation other than pregnancy. These symptoms are rarely anything else. How do you know he is sterile?” She asked, her glasses slipping down her nose.
“He’s well, you see, well, a witcher.” You said hesitantly. No one knew of your relationship with him. You had met him a few years ago and you supposed destiny decided your paths would cross. Though in truth you weren’t much like him, except for not being much of a talker.
“Strange. A witcher procuring a child. I have never heard such a story. I understand if you have doubts, though I can say almost certainly you are pregnant. If you like, you can wait another week and come back again and if your symptoms show no signs of stopping, you’re pregnant and I can help you on whichever choice you make.” She said, giving you a sympathetic smile.
“Thanks.” You said, handing over a bag of coins. She shook her head and said,
“The prospect of seeing the possibility of a witcher pregnancy is payment enough. I might be the only healer to every witness and diagnosis such a phenomenon. Have a good night.”
You went home that night sad, confused, and mostly worried. You wanted to doubt it. It was only once and Geralt was sterile. It couldn’t be possible, but none of these symptoms made any sense. It was all one big confusing mess to you. Choosing to sleep on the matter, you fell into bed and hoped Geralt would be away another week or so.
~~*~~
The week wore on and sure enough, the symptoms got worse. So bad in fact that in the middle of week you went to the healer’s house and pleaded for something to make the nausea and aches go away.
She complied and it was soon settled that you were 100% percent pregnant.
Of course I’d get pregnant on my first time by a supposedly sterile man. And of course it’d be a witcher, and of course he’d live one of the worst lifestyles to possibly raise a child in. Of course it had to happen to me of all people. Of course destiny decided this strange fate. You thought, lying on the couch in the healer’s home.
“Well, what would you like to do? I could get rid of it, if you desire.” She said across the room.
Getting rid of it would be the easiest option of course. It could be done in a day and Geralt would never even know. He’d come back and never suspect a thing. But at the same time it felt wrong. Though the baby was only barely a month and a few weeks old, you felt bonded to it. Mother’s instinct really was true, you thought.
“No. I want to keep the baby. I know it will be hard, but I need to do this. Please don’t tell Geralt about this. I doubt he’d be okay with all of this.” You said, huddling up in some blankets. It was early February and cold out.
She gave you a sympathetic look and sat down beside you, taking off her glasses. “I won’t say a word.” She said. Secretly she wondered what you were going to do, but now wasn’t the time for that.
~~*~~
The next few weeks were a flash. You spent many nights pacing back and forth pondering over your options. You narrowed it down to two, which both were equally not so great.
The first was to tell Geralt when he came back. You thought this was the risky option. Geralt wasn’t father material in any sense of the word. He certainly wouldn’t take well to this surprise and you couldn’t blame him. You often thought you were a burden to him, despite being with him for the past few years. You were shy, quiet, and more well, old fashioned. You guessed.
Then there was option two; to run away and go North. It made the most sense. No one in the town would really wonder and when Geralt returned he wouldn’t have any idea where you went. He’d most likely move on and up North you and your child would be safe and you could start a brand new life.
The only downside to option two is that you didn’t really know much about surviving on your own and you had to wait till April for the roads to clear. Another possibility could be that the child could be a witcher. Which terrified you. It wasn’t that you were scared of witchers, you’d been with one for nearly 4 years, it’s just you didn’t want to see your child be trained and live like one and to be feared by the rest of society.
But then again, Geralt could never be a father. He drank too much, had a violent temper, and you were pretty sure he had never even held a baby. Not much hope for a father figure in him, even a lackluster mediocre one.
So you decided on the latter option. When you had the money you’d leave and go North. Where? You hadn't the slightest idea. But North, maybe Kaedwen seemed best. No one in town or Geralt would suspect that, and it was supposedly a quiet nation, far away from the dangers of Nilfgaard, a growing threat in Cintra.
The next week you worked tirelessly. Taking as much overtime as possible and not buying anything except food and blankets for the long journey ahead.
The day came when you had plans to leave. You wanted to go in the night and were simply lying on the bed, diddling with some knitting that you had secretly started on for the baby. It wasn’t much but it was a start. It was then you heard a knock and then footsteps. Geralt was home.
You quickly threw aside your knitting and ran to the door, but Geralt was already standing there. He wasn’t wearing his usual black armor. His hair was twisted almost in dreads and he looked extremely exhausted.
“Hey.” You said, his yellow cat-like eyes stared down and he awkwardly pulled you in. You almost pulled away, for you knew soon you’d be leaving when he went on another journey. His arms were muscular and strong, so familiar yet so different now.
“Hmm.” Was all he muttered. You’d come to know it as his love language. “Missed you.” He said in a grunt, smelling your hair.
“I missed you a lot. How did the hunt go?” You asked, not expecting an answer. He never spoke of his quests much and you didn’t push him to.
“Hmm, you know.” He said, pulling apart from you. “I need to bathe.”
“Yeah, you do.” You chuckled. “I’m going to get some sleep.” You said. He hummed and whispered okay. You laid down and heard him shower. You felt anxiety rising in your stomach. You now had to worry about him possibly discovering the baby.
After a while Geralt laid down beside you. He was shirtless and he put an arm around your waist and rested where your child was. He drew closer to your back and felt his warm breath on your shoulder and collarbone.
“Goodnight.” He said sleepily. You turned around and looked at him. He had fallen asleep. Your eyes were teary. It was hard to think that in a few weeks you’d never see him again, but it was for the best. Yes, leaving was the best plan. It would also be the best for Geralt, he could never be a father and you were a burden on him. It was time to leave, though you’d have to wait a month or so.
~~*~~
The next month went on a little awkwardly. The medicine from the healer had stopped the nausea and weariness, which you were thankful for. Though Geralt had noticed a change in your scent, though he didn’t say anything. He figured it was some womanly perfume, though he never known you to do that.
A month later Geralt got news of a monster up North-West. He spent another week with you. Although he wasn’t known to say much, he enjoyed your quiet company. You two weren’t really ‘lovers’, but not friends either. Part of him admired your shyness and integrity, you cared more about people than he ever did but you were so quiet and didn’t bother him with questions. It’d been the main reason he decided to take you with him.
“Well, come home soon.” You lied as Geralt sat on Roach. He was about to go kill a rumored grain stealer up North.
“I’ll try my best. Get some rest, I’ve noticed you’ve been more tired.” He said. You laughed awkwardly. You’d begun to show about about 2 weeks ago.
“Goodbye.” He said. You nodded and watched as Roach rode on until Geralt was out of sight. You went back to the inn and lied down. You’d stay one more week, buy a horse and then get going. It was hard knowing you’d never see the witcher again, but it had to be done.
That night you had a good long cry. It’d been a long time since tears had freely fallen. It was okay, you told yourself. You were starting a new life and leaving a friend, more than a friend, but not a lover.
On Friday, 5 days after Geralt had left, you went to the stable and bought a horse. It was a skinny, poor animal, but it was the cheapest and you were certain with some love he’d prek up.
“Hmm, I’ll call you Komor.” You said smiling, brushing the poor beast. He brushed up on you and almost seemed to smile.
After a bit you took the horse to the inn to get him fresh grass and air. You went into the inn and made sure to pack up everything. You took as little as possible and lied down. You’d already quit your job at the sewing tent on Wednesday. They had wished you well but had given you odd looks, you’d worked there since coming here.
~~*~~
You looked at the grandfather clock. It was almost 2 am in the morning on Sunday. You rubbed your belly, which was starting to show more. In a week you’d be 4 months pregnant and tonight you’d be leaving right when the clock hit 2.
You grabbed your two bags, the only things you had and when the clock struck 2, you tiptoed out. You had left the little room of the inn in a good condition, with the sheets folded and the towels washed. It was the least you could do. Going downstairs, at the counter you left the inn payment and a note that read,
I’ve got to be going. Thank you for the room. I hope I paid enough. - y/n.
Creeping out, you found Komor and put the bags on him. You didn’t plan on riding him until you’d find it hard to walk, he was already looking better, but he was still skinny. Hopefully going north would help that.
Dawning a cloak, you untied Komor and started to walk the long trail on the North. You still hadn’t made your mind up to where you’d be going, but it’d be far, far away. You whispered under your breath when you had left the town and entered the forest,
“Well, it’s me, Komor, and you, my little one. I’ll do everything I can for you. I’m not brave nor strong, but we’ll survive.”
~~*~~
Geralt rode into town on Roach. It’d been an easy kill, surprisingly. He also had a strange feeling about y/n. He couldn’t explain it but you’d been on his mind. It was only 3 weeks since he left and things felt off the second he rode and stopped by the inn.
“Hello, Geralt. Didn’t expect to see you around again. Got your lady friend with you?” The innkeeper asked. Geralt gave him a cold stare.
“No. Where is she?” He asked seriously.
“I don’t know. She left on Sunday in the early morning I think. She left her payment and this note.” The innkeeper said, handing him the note. Geralt read it closely, especially the ‘I’ve got to be going.’
That didn’t make any sense. You had always seemed happy and content. Had he done something to push you off? Or was something wrong personally?
“Did she visit anyone before she ran off?” The witcher asked.
“Well, she bought a horse a few days before she left at the barn down the road and she often went to the healer’s home near the forest. But other than that, no. She was happy, loved the music around here.” The innkeeper said.
“I’ve got to get going.” Geralt said, taking the note and leaving.
Geralt made his way down to the barn to see what information he could get from the old barn keeper. Geralt walked up to him.
“Hello, witcher. What do you want?”
“Y/N, did she buy a horse from you?” He asked in a rushed tone.
“Y/N? Never heard that name. But a girl came in about 2 weeks ago and bought my worst horse. She left sometime after that.”
Geralt walked off at that and jumped on Roach. He was going off to the healer. He knew something was wrong, very, very wrong. Were you ill? Maybe that was the new scent. Perhaps it was serious and you were embarrassed and didn’t want to talk to him about it.
He knocked on the healer’s door. A woman with red frizzy hair, dark eyes and glasses. She welcomed him inside without a word.
He sat down on the lady’s couch as she served him tea. He didn’t want it but she wouldn’t answer about y/n until he sat down. It was annoying but he needed to know why you left.
“Now, what do you want to know?” The brim glassed lady asked, sitting down.
“Y/N, why was she coming to you? Do you know why she left or where she is?” Geralt asked.
“Oh yes, sweet girl.” She said, sipping her tea. “Well, maybe you don’t know this, but she’s 4 months pregnant. She came to me when she kept throwing up. The child is yours.”
“ Fuck. ” He said. “Did she say where she was going at all?”
“She spoke fondly once of Kaedwen. I think she wanted to go North.”
Geralt walked out of the house at this point. Taking Roach and riding off. He planned on riding until he could smell your scent in the direction of Kaedwen. He didn’t know if he could catch you this far off, but he’d try.
For one of the first times ever, he felt pretty bad. He’d fucked up, even though he didn’t know about the child. He should’ve asked if you were doing alright and asked about the new scent. He rode on until the sunrise hit and Roach couldn’t go on.
~~*~~
You walked on for a long time. The first few nights were hard, so hard you almost turned back on multiple occasions but the fear of facing Geralt kept you at bay. You went on, walking for the most part until your 5th month hit and it was getting hard to walk. You also felt your first kick from the baby, which you had a good, long happy cry over.
You made your way through Cintra, going East and crossed over Sodden without issue. Going through Dol Angra you went across the bridge and entered Lyria, near Rivia.
You decided to take a little detour and see Rivia. It was like you expected, by the river, cool and like the rest of Lyria. Eventually you left and went straight North for Aedirn.
The land was different up here. It was only mid May in Northern Aedirn but it was cool and calm, which was something you desperately needed. The people were alright, not asking too many questions, though they found it odd an unmarried pregnant woman from down South was up this North.
In early June you made your way finally to Kaedwen. It was like you imagined. Mainly plains on rolling hills for miles upon miles. Almost everyone and everything here was calm and quiet, a perfect place for a baby to be born and raised.
You went into a somewhat small city and settled in the inn. The people were a bit wary of you but a week later they hardly noticed you. You also had some money left. If you worked hard enough, maybe you could get a little house before the baby was born.
But even as you settled down a little, you never stopped thinking of Geralt. Part of you felt guilty. Maybe he had found out about the baby? Maybe he hadn’t? You didn’t know. You prayed he’d find a way to forgive you somehow and wished him all the happiness in the world.
Part of you worried that the child might be a witcher. You didn’t know. You hoped the baby would be ‘normal’ but as long as the baby was healthy, you didn’t care that much. Would it be hard to raise a witcher child? Yes. Impossible? No. You had bonded with the little one so much already, it didn’t matter anymore.
~~*~~
Geralt rode and walked tirelessly to find you. He went through half the continent and every town along the way. Halfway there, he heard from a drunk man he remembered a young, unmarried pregnant lady came through a month ago, saying she was going to Kaedwen.
That was all he needed to confirm his suspicion. He rode as fast as possible North.
Finally, in early July he made it into the small town where you’d been living. He scared off most of the inhabitants but eventually found out where you were.
You were living in a small house a little bit outside of town. It was quaint and quiet. To the side was a garden and there was a horse in the field to the other side. There was laundry drying out on a wire between two trees. The house had a clam, serene, quiet feeling. It was the exact place where someone like you would settle down.
Geralt sighed and left Roach off to the side. It was a warm day. He slowly made his way to the front door, running over what he’d say. He looked inside the window and saw a rocking chair and some unfinished sewing to the side, he was then certain that you lived here.
He felt truly awful for the first time in his life. He shouldn’t have taken your virginity on a whim. You two should’ve stayed friends. It was so much easier that way.
But that was besides the point now. He ran over what he’d say once more and knocked gently.
You were sitting in the back room, sewing per usual when you heard a knock on the door. You sprung up. Who could be knocking? You made your way to the front and looked out the window. You saw Roach and almost screamed. Geralt? No, it couldn’t be. He couldn’t have followed you this far out.
You walked to the door and taking a deep breath opened the door.
There stood the witcher. His hair was snow white, his eyes still yellow like a cat, the same stubble, the same black clothes you knew by scent, the same strong jaw. It was him. It was Geralt.
Your eyes bubbled over and silent tears spilled out. You slumped down to the floor, hyperventilating at this point. Why was he here? How did he find you? Was he angry? Did he hate you? You wanted to curl into a ball and disappear.
Geralt didn’t know what to do. He saw a large bulge in your stomach and his eyes went wide. He knew you were pregnant, but to see the bump for once was… different.
He went down to the floor and tried his best to comfort you, though it wasn’t of much help. You pulled away from him in fear and cried in your dress. You were breathing was so shallow and fast it concerned him. He gently touched your hair, trying to calm you. He didn’t think your breathing was good for the child.
It was at least half an hour until you were finally calm enough to sit up. Geralt had closed the door and looked around.
It was a tiny home. There was a small kitchen, dining room, and living room. There was a hallway which seemed to lead to two small rooms. You had done great at decorating it. It was very homy, which was like you; quiet and wholesome. Geralt didn’t really know what to do, so he went over and hugged you. You gave in and leaned on his shoulder, crying. He took you on the couch and held you gently, letting you cry freely.
It was a while until you calmed down finally. You still clung to him, like a child to its mother.
“Why did you run away?” He asked finally.
You looked at him and said in sadness, “I knew you don’t want to be a father and let's be honest; you wouldn’t make a very good one. And the child could be a witcher and I thought you’d hate me and I thought you couldn’t have children and it was just everything at once I guess.”
“I know you don’t want to be a father and you don’t have to stay if you like.” You said after a bit. He was still holdin you, though now he was running a gentle hand through your hair. He said nothing for a long time.
Though strange, this was the closest he ever felt to you. He could smell your scent and the baby’s, it was feminie and soft.
“You’re right on somethings. I don’t know how to be a father and I doubt I’ll make a good one. And the child could be a witcher, but that’s a 50/50 chance still and they are, I’ll have to be around for them.” He said in the most gentle voice you’d ever heard him use.
“So, you aren’t going to leave me or kill me or even be angry?” You dared to ask, looking into his eyes, which seemed to show sadness at your tone.
“No. I spent 3 months searching for you. Part of me is angry, but only because you didn’t tell me. But, I’m going to stay here with you. It’s quiet about these parts. I see why you came here.” He said, you slumped off him and leaned on his shoulder.
“I know this place isn’t the greatest place for your career, I understand if you’d like to leave and go back to Cintra. I got this place a few weeks back.” You said, dabbing your eyes with your dress.
“Hmm, it’s better here. I don’t know about the future but let’s stay here for now and after the baby is born. And if the kid is a witcher, they’ll be safe here, away from most people.” He said.
You didn’t respond. He looked over at you and his eyes drifted to your midsection. He asked without words and you nodded. He put his rough hands on your bump. He felt the baby kick and made that ‘hmmm’ sound.
“When is the baby due?” He asked.
“Late August or early September.” You said, as he felt the baby kick harder.
“Hmmm. Alright. We’ve got two months. I wish I could’ve been around more.” He said, surprising you, he rarely showed any emotion and the four years or so you’d known him this was the most he’d ever shown.
“It’s my fault. I ran away. But two months is better than none I guess.” You said. He looked over at you and leaned over your body. He kissed you deeply and you gave into it. His arms went around you and that’s all you remembered from the rest of the night.
~~*~~
The two months went by quietly. It had been the most peace Geralt and you had had in years. The local town was a few miles away and you found sewing, gardening, and spending long nights with Geralt enjoyable. You’d grown much closer over these weeks to him.
Geralt was trying his best to improve, at least maturity wise. He was becoming worried as your pregnancy went on that the baby might be a witcher. He still didn’t know anything about being a father or even how to hold a baby, but he was trying, this child was equally his.
One night, as you were knitting and sitting in the rocking chair when Geralt came in. You didn’t look up, but he sat down beside you, looking at your bump and what you were knitting. You were almost so big now it was hard to walk, there was only a week or so left till the little one would finally be here.
“Do you have any names in mind?” You asked, putting down the knitting.
“Hmmm no.” He said. He hadn’t really thought much about it. He didn’t really know what sort of name would fit a baby.
“I was thinking of Seraphina as a first name if it’s a girl and Ronan if it’s a boy.” You said, looking down at your bump.
“Hmmm, that’s fine by me.” Was all the witcher said.
“Oh come on, I’ll let you choose the middle name. What have you got in mind? Boy or girl?” You asked, smiling. You had been in a particularly good mood lately.
“Girl. The scent is like a rose to me.” He said. It was true, the baby’s scent was like a strong rose to him. Plus, he had secretly been hoping it’d be a girl, he figured she’d be easier to raise.
“Alright, I’m going to sleep, come with me.” You said, giving him the ‘look’ and slowly waddled off. Geralt smiled slightly, going to follow you. You two had started having sex sometimes, which was more fun than you expected.
“Hmmm.” He said, getting on top of you. You kissed him and the rest of the night went down in a blur.
~~*~~
Finally, the night came when your water broke. It was mid afternoon and Geralt was around. He ran off for the midwife in the village and you went back to the bed room, where you had everything laid out for the birth and baby.
An hour later Geralt came back with the midwife. She seemed scared of him, but was willing to help you, she was fond of you and because you weren’t a witcher, she was willing to deliver the baby.
Geralt and her went to the back, where you were lying down, squirming at each contraction. The midwife checked you and said you were in for a long night. Geralt stayed with you to your surprise but you had requested he leave when the contractions became more frequent. It wasn’t like he was squirmish at childbirth, you just didn’t want him around to see it, he probably needed some time to process all this as well.
It was 1 am in the morning when you were told to start pushing. Geralt kissed your forehead and walked out of the room.
As the night wore on, he heard you crying and sometimes screaming. He cringed and went outside to the horses, though it was the dead of night. He sat on the step, but he could still hear you scream in pain.
This went on for 2 more hours, according to Geralt’s time until everything went quiet. He then heard a faint cry, not like yours, but like a newborn animal’s. He crept back in and clearly heard the sounds of a newborn squealing. He heard the midwife shuffling around and faintly heard you say,
‘Hi baby.’ He heard you say in a high pitched voice. He stood by the door listening to you and the newborn baby. He waited until the midwife came out and left.
He made his way inside the bedroom quietly, where he found you, naked, holding the infant to your chest. You looked up at him in silence, your under eyes were purple and tired and your eyes were bloodshot, but you were smiling nonetheless.
He sat down beside you and hummed.
“Wanna hold her?”
He put out his hands and as gently as he could held her, as if she were made of glass. She was fast asleep already.
“Girl?” He asked, looking down at her tiny face as he counted ten fingers and ten toes. You nodded. “Is-is she a witcher or?”
“I don’t know Geralt. She’s a baby, a very beautiful one.”
“Seraphina. Seraphina Rózsa, yes we’ll call you that.” He muttered, looking down at her. “Get some sleep.” He added, but you had already fallen back into bed.
At this the little baby opened her eyes. They were yours, with yellow around the lens and edges. He hummed to her, holding her close to his chest.
For the first time in his life as a witcher, he felt a new emotion, one he could barely describe. He felt happy, content.
“You’re perfect.” He whispered, kissing the little girl’s forehead.
The witcher could get used to this sort of life.